Introduced in 2004, the Suzuki Swift+ adds a new third trim level, the top-line SX, to the existing Swift+ and Swift+ S.
Available in Canada only, the Swift+ is a clone of the Chevrolet Aveo and the new-for-2005 Pontiac Wave. Unlike those cars, which are also available as four-door sedans, the Swift+ is strictly a five-door hatchback.
The Chevrolet and Pontiac clones only come in two trim levels, to which options can be added. The new SX model is in keeping with Suzuki’s policy of loading up each trim line, instead of offering numerous optional items. The exceptions are an automatic transmission, which raises the price of each model by $1,100, and air conditioning, which can be added to the base model for $1,000.
Swift+ is built in Korea by GM-DAT (General Motors-Daewoo Auto and Technology, formed when GM bought controlling interest in bankrupt Korean automaker Daewoo in 2002).
The base Swift+ includes such features as manual remote mirrors, CD player with four speakers, floor mats, fixed intermittent wipers, rear window wiper and defroster, and tilt wheel.
The Swift+ S adds air conditioning, CD player with six speakers and MP3 capability, anti-theft alarm, fog lamps, mud flaps, power windows and locks with keyless entry, and rear spoiler.
The Swift+ SX adds ABS, aluminum wheels and power sunroof. That’s a lot of extras in a little car, but its automatic-equipped price tag of $17,995 puts it within range of several competitors’ larger compact models, and Suzuki’s own Aerio sedan.
Although it’s definitely an entry-level vehicle, the Swift+ generally feels like value for its price tag: its 103 hp engine feels peppy when hauling around such a little package. It’s surprisingly quiet for an econo-box, thanks to extra sound-deadening material. Although U.S. government tests didn’t target the Canada-only Swift+, the 2005 Aveo received the highest five-star rating for both driver and front passenger for frontal crash performance. However, there was a safety concern noted in side-impact testing for a driver’s door that protruded into the cabin and caused pelvic impact to the crash-test dummy.
On the minus side, it uses more fuel than expected for its size. The cupholders slide out of the dash and completely obstruct the heater controls when in use.
Aside from its Chevrolet and Pontiac clones, its most likely competitor is the Toyota Echo hatchback. In three-door form, a configuration unavailable in the Swift+, Echo undercuts the base Suzuki by $600, but the Toyota’s rock-bottom price doesn’t include power steering. In matching five-door configuration, the Echo seats four to the Suzuki’s five (although the fifth seat is very cramped) and is $1,110 more.
The Suzuki Swift+ is built in Bupyong, South Korea
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